TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER WITH US.INTEGRIS Community HospitalsNow Hiring at ALL LocationsCouncil Crossing • Moore • OKC West • Del CityPOSITIONS AVAILABLE:• ER Registered Nurse• Inpatient Registered Nurse• ER Technicians• CT/Radiology Technologists• Patient Access SpecialistsFull-Time and PRN positions availableCompetitive SalariesAPPLY NOW at INTEGRIScommunityhospital.comINTEGRIS and Emerus are joint venture partners in INTEGRIS Community Hospitals. Emerus is the operating partner and hospital team members at the community hospital locations will be employees of Emerus Holdings, Inc., a national network of hospital partners and largest operator of micro-hospitals.

Q. I am really bored in my job and want to do something different. I am not even sure I want to continue in nursing. I need a challenge. But I seem to be locked in fear and can’t leave. Any suggestions.
Lori

A. If you took fear out of the equation what would you do? If you could decide to make a change and not fear the outcome would that make it less difficult?
Since you have acknowledged that you are bored and need a challenge it is going to make your work day less rewarding, maybe even hard to get out of bed and make that drive.
Life is too short to spend too many days bored and unchallenged. The mind and body do not thrive in these conditions.
First make a list of your attributes, skills and interests. What motivated you to choose a career in nursing? Maybe leaving nursing does not have to be your first choice; perhaps moving to another area of nursing. You sound burned out with your current position.
If you decide to leave nursing, what have you always wanted to do? There have been many people who totally changed their careers. Ruth, a lawyer quit her $300.000 a year job and opened a bakery. Mark quit his full time retail job to play music. Whitney quit her $95.000 a year job to sell yoga pants and teach to yogi’s. Brian quit his corporate $250,000 a year job to open a restaurant.
There is no shortage of people who said. “Enough is enough, this isn’t making me happy.” Fear probably crossed their minds, after all it is a normal emotion but they did not let it rob them writing their own life script.
When feelings of boredom and a lack of challenge grow to unmeasurable proportions; stop what you are doing and write a new plan. Whatever it becomes, will be yours. The one thing that you cannot do is the same thing and expect different results.
Let yourself get out of the box. Color outside of the lines. Walk down a different path.
“AND SUDDENLY YOU WILL KNOW………..IT’S TIME TO START SOMETHING NEW AND TRUST THE MAGIC OF BEGINNINGS.”

The American Nurses Association (ANA) applauds the introduction of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 (H.R. 8) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation expands current background checks processes to ensure that unlicensed dealers and manufacturers do not sell guns to individuals prohibited from owning firearms.
ANA extends its gratitude to the cosponsors of H.R. 8 for their commitment to this legislation: Mike Thompson (D-CA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Peter T. King (R-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Brian J. Mast (R-FL), Fred Upton (R-MI) and Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ).
Nurses represent the frontlines of care during every mass shooting, homicide, suicide, accidental shooting and other acts of violence, providing direct care at the bedside to victims and their families. As such, nurses have long pushed for action to enhance the background check system to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms. This bipartisan legislation is a step in the right direction.
For decades, ANA has called on lawmakers to pass common sense polices that will prevent gun violence and protect Americans. ANA reinforced this call at our 2016 Membership Assembly to stand in solidarity with the individuals, families, communities and health care professionals impacted by gun violence.

Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee$20,000 sign-on bonus for experienced RNs.*As a Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee nurse, you can enjoy the best of both worlds:a friendly, small community and the resources of Oklahoma’s largest healthcare provider.And, now through January 31, enjoy a $20,000 sign-on bonus.*Less than an hour from Tulsa, Muskogee features outstanding cultural and natural attractions, includingnumerous lakes and state parks that offer boating, skiing, golfing, fishing and every other type of outdoor family recreational activity.Why now is a great time to join our team:• $20,000 sign-on bonus and relocation assistance for experienced RNs*• Great benefits, including paid time off, tuition assistance, medical and dental insurance, retirement plans, onsite childcare, adoption benefits and more• We are a qualified not-for-profit organization, so you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness**Saint Francis Health System includes:• Saint Francis Hospital• The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis• Warren Clinic• Heart Hospital at Saint Francis• Saint Francis Hospital South• Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital• Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee• Saint Francis Hospital Vinita• Saint Francis Cancer Center• Saint Francis Home Care Companies• Saint Francis GlenpoolTo learn more about nursing opportunities at Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee, please call Melissa at 918-558-8028.Learn More http://bit.ly/2QDqlDqSaint Francis Hospital Muskogee*Applies to registered nurses in select patient units with at least two years of nursing experience. Four-year work commitment required. Limited time only—program ends January 31, 2019.**View program details at studentaid.ed.gov.EOE Protected Veterans/Disability

INTEGRIS earns important grant money as part of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Great Idea Challenge. As one of only six chosen recipients announced this week by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, INTEGRIS will receive $180,000 for the creation and implementation of the INTEGRIS Mobile Wellness Clinic.
With the support of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and in partnership with the Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation, INTEGRIS will deploy a mobile unit into Oklahoma County designed to provide much needed services to the area’s uninsured and underserved.
The INTEGRIS Mobile Wellness Clinic will boast a private exam room, exam chairs, screening supplies and a team of professionals consisting of nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, community health workers and health educators.
They will offer case management services, chronic disease support, health screenings, food distribution, cooking demonstrations, support groups and wellness resources.
“As health care in Oklahoma and across the country transforms, accessibility for the most vulnerable populations is an ever-increasing challenge. Mobile health clinics have a distinct advantage in improving health care in at-risk communities,” says Steve Petty, the system administrative director of community wellness at INTEGRIS.
“The ability to reach underserved patients in their neighborhoods helps eliminate physical barriers to care, such as inadequate transportation and dispersed services. We believe the INTEGRIS Mobile Wellness Clinic will help bridge the health care gap in our community and fulfill our mission of improving the long-term health of Oklahoma families.”
Based on current free clinic and community health screening numbers, as well as the average chronic disease patient volume, the INTEGRIS Mobile Wellness Clinic, in partnership with the Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation, hopes to reach 1,400 Oklahomans within the first two years.

A recent study indicates Oklahoma ranked second in the nation for prevalence of Hepatitis C (HCV). Health officials believe significant contributing factors are injection drug use being seen in the state’s opioid epidemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with several universities, analyzed data gathered during a national survey conducted from 2013-2016 as well as other studies used to estimate the number of Americans living with HCV. There are approximately 2.4 million adults estimated to be living with HCV in the United States, with Oklahoma estimated to rank second at 1.82 per 100 population, behind only the District of Columbia at 2.34 per 100 population. In addition to this study, data collected by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) and other state public health officials indicate the number of new cases of HCV is on the rise. The CDC estimates more than 41,000 Americans were newly infected in 2016 alone.
A major contributing factor to the high occurrence of HCV is the sharing or re-using of needles when using injection drugs such as opioids. Opioid injection and HCV increased dramatically in younger Americans from 2004-2014. Among people aged 18-29, HCV increased by 400 percent, and admission for opioid injection by 622 percent. Those aged 30-39 saw an increase of HCV by 325 percent, and admission for opioid injection by 83 percent. It is important for those who use injection drugs to understand their increased risk of contracting HCV through shared needles.
“Far too many individuals are unaware of their risk of infection and importance to get tested,” said Kristen Eberly, director of the OSDH HIV/STD Service. “Although the ongoing opioid epidemic has contributed to recent increases in HCV infections among adults under age 40, it’s also important for Oklahomans to understand hepatitis C poses a serious health concern for people of all ages, including infants born to infected mothers.”
Baby boomers also account for a large portion of chronic HCV infections. Health officials recommend all adults born between 1945 and 1965 be tested at least once for HCV. Testing is also recommended for anyone who may be at risk of contracting the virus through injection drug use.
“The numbers are sobering, but this challenge can be tackled if the right steps are taken,” said Interim OSDH Commissioner Tom Bates. “We recognize that there is a cost to providing help, but even though it might be expensive, it is not hopeless. There is a 90 percent cure rate with treatment. We urge everyone at risk to get tested now.” The cure rate is improving and reducing the length of treatment from a year to three months. However, the wholesale treatment cost for new cases ranges from $417 to $1,125 per day.
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus which can result in serious long-term health problems such as liver disease, liver failure, and even death. There is no vaccine to prevent the virus. The best way to prevent it is by avoiding behaviors known to spread the disease, especially injecting drugs. It can also be spread when getting tattoos or body piercings in unlicensed facilities with non-sterile instruments. The only way for a person to know if they have HCV is through a blood test from a health care provider.
For additional information, visit the OSDH HIV/STD website at hivstd.health.ok.gov. For assistance with finding local resources for opioid treatment, call 211. Additional information about drug overdoses is available at poison.health.ok.gov.

OMRF scientist Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., was recently named the scientific director of OCASCR

The Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) has named Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Courtney Griffin, Ph.D., as its new scientific director.
OCASCR was founded in 2010 by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) to increase adult stem cell research in Oklahoma. Over the past eight years, OCASCR has funded research projects on diabetes, blindness, cancer and other illnesses at Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, the University of Oklahoma, and OMRF.
Griffin earned her B.A. at Harvard and her Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of California San Francisco. Following postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina, she joined OMRF in 2008. Her work focuses on genes that regulate blood and lymphatic vessels, work that has implications for heart disease, aneurysms, cancer and toxic drug overdose.
Griffin succeeds OCASCR’s founding scientific director, Paul Kincade, Ph.D., who is retiring. She plans to continue OCASCR’s focus on adult stem cell research and expand the scope of its vision to include work in regenerative medicine.
“Regenerative medicine challenges us to harness stem cell and developmental biology research into discovering new ways of repairing, replacing or rejuvenating disease-damaged organs in the body. We want to open the door to more researchers interested in this growing field of study,” she said.
TSET Interim Executive Director Julie Bisbee said she is excited for the future of OCASCR and the role this research plays in TSET’s overall goal.
“TSET is proud to support this unique collaboration between academic and research institutions to promote cutting-edge scientific discoveries in Oklahoma,” said Bisbee. “Supporting this kind of research that advances treatment for cancer and tobacco-related diseases is fundamental to our mission to improve the health of all Oklahomans.”
Since OCASCR’s founding, TSET has invested $17 million in Oklahoma scientists focused on stem cell research with a return on that investment of more than $90 million in grants as a result of the projects launched through the initiative.

Your one-stop resource for all of the breastfeeding basics. We will go over everything you need to know—from buying that first nursing bra to deciding when to wean. Attending class will allow expectant mothers to be more prepared for breastfeeding when baby is born.
The class is free for mothers who will be delivering at AllianceHelath Midwest. The class is $10 for mothers who are planning to deliver elsewhere. Payment is due at time of class.
**Please register for only one “ticket” for the mother-to-be. A support person is welcome, but does NOT require a ticket for registration. You can register here; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breastfeeding-class-tickets-53764339587?AFF=alliancehealth-organic-traffic
Class will be: Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (CST). There is no charge for the class. Class will be at Alliance Health Medical Group, 1800 South Douglas Boulevard in Midwest City.

The 12th Annual Faith Community Nurses’ Association Conference title is “When Disaster Hits: The Role of the Faith Community.” The conference will educate the Faith Community Nurse and church leaders to organize and build capacity for the church to respond to local and regional disasters. Disaster is a “given” in Oklahoma. Faith Communities are affected directly and indirectly by these disasters. The message of Psalm 57, Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed, sets the stage for reflecting and mobilizing resources when disaster hits. This conference will provide resources, contacts and information needed to assist congregants during times of disaster and the opportunity for participants to network and to build relationships with nurses and health ministers interested in Faith Community Nursing.
Registration for the one-day FCNA OK Member $60 for payments received before 2/8/19. 2/9-2/22 $85; 2/22 and later $105. Non FCNA OK Member $90 for payments received before 2/8/19. 2/8-2/22 $120; 2/22 and later $135. Nursing students $60. Clergy $65 for payments received before 2/16/18. 2/9-2/22 $90; 2/22 and later $110. Refunds before 2/8/19 less $20 deposit. No refunds after February 8, 2019. FCNA OK is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. This course is approved for 8.25 contact hours applicable for APRN, RN, LPN, or LMHT relicensure. Kansas State Board of Nursing provider number LT0298-0316, KAR 60-7-107 (b)(3)(C).
For registration and brochure, see the FCNA website, downloads page: www.fcnaok.org or register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LNG3BBV and pay by www.PayPal.me/FCNAOK or contact fcnaok@gmail.com.

Deb McCullock, DNP is the assistant professor of Southern Nazarene University, School of Nursing, located in Bethany, OK.

by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Founded in 1899, Southern Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university, a service of the Church of the Nazarene. Located on a 40-acre campus just west of Oklahoma City, SNU grew out of several small colleges committed to training people for lives of service to God, leadership and reconciliation toward their neighbors and within the global community. More than 32,000 alumni work and serve throughout the United States and the world.
Deb McCullock, DNP, is a assistant professor of the School of Nursing at SNU, just one of the many professors here at the university. Deb grew up in Indianapolis and moved to Oklahoma when she was in high school. “My family and I relocated and I have lived here in Oklahoma ever since,” she said. “At the time, I wasn’t too sure about it. I’m considered an Okie now though,” she added. “There was such a difference in the two states, it was unreal. That was a long time ago and I suppose that I adjusted to the change just fine, Oklahoma is definitely my home now.”
Deb has been a nurse for 32 years and a Professor at SNU for 2 years. “Even when I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a mom and a nurse,” she said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. I enjoy teaching and seeing the students learn. It is a good feeling knowing that I am teaching these students to become nurses. I know teaching others in the medical field is what I was meant to do with my life.”
Asking Deb where she went to school, she had quite a list for me. “Let’s see, after high school, I went to Redlands Community College in El Reno, OK for my associate’s degree. Then, Southern Nazarene University for my Bachelor’s degree. After that, I attended OU Health Science Center for my master’s degree and Family Nurse Practitioner. Moving forward, I went to the University of Alabama for my doctrine of nursing practice. After all of that, I ended up here at SNU,” Deb replied.
“My biggest reward in my work as a professor is the fact that I get the opportunity to watch the students gain understanding of concepts that they were previously confused by. It is rewarding for me, as a professor to see their minds absorb so much information. I am proud of all of my students. On the other hand, my biggest challenge is time management. I have a hard time with that sometimes but I am trying to fit everything into a certain time frame. I’m still working on that myself, but I am getting better,” she said with a laugh.
What advice do you give to your students? “Some of the most important advice I can give to my students is to tell them how important it is to remember that your family and your patients are people. Sometimes, I think we tend to forget to acknowledge that,” she replied. “We need to make that a priority and know that is important in any practice. Our attitude towards others is everything,” Deb added.
Asking Deb what qualities she thought made a good nurse, she replied, “I think it is very important to pay attention to detail, time management, current knowledge and flexibility. Those are some of the best qualities about a nurse.”
When Deb is not teaching at SNU, she enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, their spouses, and her three grandchildren, ages, three, six and nine. “I love spending time with my family,” she said with a smile. I also like to run when I get the chance.”
Deb has traveled to quite a few places to help others learn about nursing. She has been to Haiti and Peru. One thing that keeps Deb extra busy is her non-profit business; reading and writing grants in Zambia, Africa. She usually travels once or twice a year with a group of volunteers. “The volunteering encompasses lots of things; we work with the local organizations, provide equipment and supplies to those in need and partner with local companies to work together and do whatever we need to do to help others, “she said. “I just love traveling, knowing that I’m helping them in such a huge way.”
The most positive words Deb uses when speaking to her students? I’m Proud of You. What an encouragement to all.

TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER WITH US.INTEGRIS Community HospitalsNow Hiring at ALL LocationsCouncil Crossing • Moore • OKC West • Del CityPOSITIONS AVAILABLE:• ER Registered Nurse• Inpatient Registered Nurse• ER Technicians• CT/Radiology Technologists• Patient Access SpecialistsFull-Time and PRN positions availableCompetitive SalariesAPPLY NOW at INTEGRIScommunityhospital.comINTEGRIS and Emerus are joint venture partners in INTEGRIS Community Hospitals. Emerus is the operating partner and hospital team members at the community hospital locations will be employees of Emerus Holdings, Inc., a national network of hospital partners and largest operator of micro-hospitals.

For more than 50 years, Orthopedic Associates has been one of the largest orthopedic practices in the Oklahoma City metro area. Effective Jan. 1, 2019, Orthopedic Associates is now Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Associates.
Orthopedic Associates’ 12 highly skilled providers will continue to offer a full spectrum of orthopedic services to patients of all ages at Mercy Clinic locations in Edmond, El Reno, Oklahoma City and Weatherford. The team will also continue to support several high school and college sports programs across Oklahoma.
In addition to the clinics, Mercy also acquired a surgery center on Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Associates’ Oklahoma City campus.
“At Mercy, we are always looking for opportunities to provide the very best care to even more patients in our region,” said Dr. Jesse Campbell, chief administrative officer of Mercy Clinic in Oklahoma. “Orthopedic Associates has a great reputation in the community among patients and providers, and we are so excited to welcome them to our team. Together, we will do great things.”
By joining with Mercy, the orthopedic clinics will be able to accept more types of insurance and gain access to a large network of resources and providers.
In February, patients of Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Associates will also have access to MyMercy, a free online system where they can review test results, email their provider and request prescription refills 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We are proud of Orthopedic Associates’ 50-year heritage and looking forward to working with Mercy Clinic to improve orthopedic care for all Oklahomans,” said Dr. Gary Anderson, president of Orthopedic Associates. To learn more about Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Associates, visit mercy.net/OAinOK or call (405) 947-0911 or the phone numbers listed below. Orthopedic services are available at these locations:
Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Associates – Edmond I-35, 2017 W. I-35 Frontage Road, Edmond, OK 73013 (405) 947-0911
Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Surgery – Edmond I-35, 2017 W. I-35 Frontage Road, Suite 250, Edmond, OK 73013 (405) 757-3340
Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Associates – El Reno, 2115 Parkview Dr., El Reno, OK 73036 (405) 947-0911
Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Associates – NW 50th Street, 3301 NW 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73112, (405) 947-0911
Mercy Clinic Orthopedic Associates – Weatherford, 3735 Legacy, Weatherford, OK 73096, (405) 947-0911

Changing Lives for the better, together.It is what we do. And, it is who we are. Join us!At Hillcrest, our goal is to Change Lives for the better, together. Hillcrest Hospital – South provides state-of-the-art technology in an easy-to-navigate community setting.Our 180-bed facility offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including maternity, cardiology, emergency, orthopedics and surgery.Hillcrest Hospital – South is committed to evidence-based medicine and our results speak for themselves.HILLCREST IS CURRENTLY HIRING NURSES!$10,000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR KEY POSITIONS· CVOR ICU Nights· Cath Lab SDU Nights· Med/Surg All Shifts NICU NightsHillcrest South offers:• Sign-On Bonuses For Experienced & New RNs• A Competitive Compensation Package• Excellent Benefits• Friendly & Collaborative Environment• Opportunities For Advancement• Tuition ReimbursementApply at www.hillcresthospitalsouthjobs.comor call HR at 918-294-4866 if you have any questions.Hillcrest Hospital South8801 S. 101st East Ave.Tulsa, OK 74133